New York Times-bestselling author Robin Cook takes on the cutting-edge world of gene-modification in this pulse-pounding new medical thriller.When an unidentified, seemingly healthy young woman collapses suddenly on the New York City subway and dies upon reaching the hospital, her case is an eerie reminder for veteran medical examiner Jack Stapleton of the 1918 flu pandemic. Fearful of a repeat … pandemic. Fearful of a repeat on the one hundredth anniversary of the nightmarish contagion, Jack autopsies the woman within hours of her demise and discovers some striking anomalies: first, that she has had a heart transplant, and second, that, against all odds, her DNA matches that of the transplanted heart.
Although the facts don’t add up to influenza, Jack must race against the clock to identify the woman and determine what kind of virus could wreak such havoc–a task made more urgent when two other victims succumb to a similar rapid death. But nothing makes sense until his investigation leads him into the fascinating realm of CRISPR/CAS9, a gene-editing biotechnology that’s captured the imagination of the medical community. . . and the attention of its most unethical members. Drawn into the dark underbelly of the organ transplant market, Jack will come face-to-face with a megalomaniacal businessman willing to risk human lives in order to conquer a lucrative new frontier in medicine–and if Jack’s not careful, the next life lost might be his own.
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A bit slow, and anti-climactic ending.
It has nothing to do with a pandemic. It’s about an OCD ME that is obvious and very disappointing.
It’s just plain bad – from characterization to plotting. Just…bad. It would not have been published without his name to sell it. He did explain how the CDC expected novel viruses to come out of wet markets in China, though. Evidently, that is old news thatbats are reservoirs of virulent viruses because they have such robust immune systems.
Interesting to read during the current pandemic!
Very disappointed as I usually really enjoy Robin Cook’s books. I trudged through to the end but two days later I don’t remember the details.
Title not really appropriate. Interesting story with sone original ideas
Terrific read!
Always love Robins books
interesting and original plot per usual for Cook. The main character is very smart but also annoying and self centered.
Robin Cook never lets me down when it comes to medical thrillers, this one was a definite page turner that kept me up into the wee hours with many unexpected twist and turns.
Was happy to see another Jack and Laurie book….before I read it. Not one of his best.
Entertaining and informative!
Robin Cook at his best writing another medical thriller. As usual, cutting edge medical technology misused by a rich mad man.
If you’re a Robin Cook fan, you will like this book. Entertaining and interesting to read.
This book was very boring. His other books were exciting to read. This one was not good very disappointing
Great read!
Always love his books. Great Mystery / Thriller author !
First, I didn’t realize this was a series book. But, I was able to follow the characters and their relationships without difficulty. Jack has a terrific personality. Not a lot of action but the story never lags. The title is a bit deceiving but that’s my fault. I was expecting a full blown national disaster. That never happens. Instead the virus is held at bay. Ending sort of fizzled. All in all a pretty good read.